A stabilized finite element method for modeling dispersed multiphase flows using orthogonal subgrid scales

Abstract

We propose a finite-element formulation for simulating multi-component flows occupying the same domain with spatially varying concentrations. Each constituent is assumed to behave as an incompressible Newtonian fluid, and solutions are sought for the velocities and volume fractions of each phase, as well as the common pressure. Stabilization terms are derived within the framework of the variational multiscale method based on an approximation of the finite-element residual to achieve control of the pressure and volume fractions. We utilize the concept of term-by-term stabilization in conjunction with orthogonal subgrid scales, thus incorporating only those terms of the residual essential to obtain stability and projecting them on a space orthogonal to the finite element space. The resulting system of equations is solved in a monolithic manner, requiring a small number of nonlinear iterations. Several benchmark tests have been performed to confirm the stability and optimal asymptotic convergence rates for linear and higher-order elements using the proposed formulation.